Featuring: Fitbloggin Prep, The Friends I will Miss this Week, Fit Bottomed Girls & Reggie Bush, My New Take on the Movie “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead”

Plus a Tuxedo Cat Appearance

Dirty hair and alll…

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

This week I am super busy with my preparations for this year’s Fitbloggin and need to keep the Blog posting at bay for a few more days. Whilst at the conference you can (as always) follow on me on Facebook, on Twitter @BrooklynFitChik and on Instagram for all of my goings on in the fine city of Portland. (Never been there before—most excited to check it out!)

Do not worry as I will be back and raring to go next week and will even plan to start bringing back the giveaways—whoo hoo! So in the meantime—please enjoy my latest Vlog post and I will see you all soon!

Notes for this week’s Blog post:

I talk about my newest article you can find on Fit Bottomed Girls where I talk about working out with the Detroit Lions Reggie Bush!

Shout outs and mentions to my peeps who will not make it this year (major frownie face!)

My new take on the 1992 classic film Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (“I’m right on top of that Rose!”)

It’s been ages since I devoted this space to just the “Men’s” titles so why the hell not break it out again today? If you are ready—I am ready.

Let’s get to this thing!

Hugh Jackman photographed by Ben Watts

Men’s Fitness: June 2013

Hugh Jackman: Wolverine!! The buff actor follows the “8-Hour Diet” plan which means he eats up to 6000 calories per day in an 8-hour window of time and works out like a madman to get into A-Lister shape. Honestly—is there anyone more charming than Hugh Jackman? No. Such. Thing.

“10 Diets We Won’t Be Trying This Summer” I love how snarky the “men’s” magazines can be and this page made me crack up. For example, about “The Air Diet” –Perfect for guys who love cooking but hate the annoying eating part that inevitably follows… Well done Men’s Fitness!

“Fitlandia” Portland, Oregon is declared by Men’s Fitness as the “Fittest City” for men. See how your city ranked here. (El Paso, TX is the fattest by the way.)

“7 Ultimate Guy Getaways” Ideas for dudes who want to take the average week off and make it the experience of a lifetime.

“The Fascia and the Furious” If you own a foam roller (and if not, why the hell not?) then you know how important it is to keep your fascia (the tight band around the outside of your legs) in top shape.

“6 Week Slimdown” A workout you can take to the outdoors to get in the best shape of your life.

Chris Pine: Kirk! Chris Pine has survived tough reviews of his work (being called a “chia pet” by one critic for his work in Princess Diaries 2—ouch!) and he is now a hot, in-demand actor who happens to play one of the most famous Captains in history. You can try out his personal workout which is featured in the magazine. (FYI-I would probably have sex with him if he was obliging.)

Ed Helms: One of my favorite comedic actors is also a bluegrass musician (who knew?) and is about to embark on a whole new stage of his life after The Office and The Hangover.

“Her Sex Lies Exposed” Three women were asked questions while hooked to a polygraph (which are total nonsense by the way) and asked how they really feel about sex and stuff.

“Bar Exam” The latest health bars are rated here for best snacking potential that is also healthy.

“How to do Everything Better” Men’s Health talks about how to do a whole bunch of things “better” including waging a water balloon wars and getting critters out of your home.

“Be a Pop Star” Awwww, here we get advice on men can bet better father’s to their children based on the age and development level of the child.

“Win the War in Your Gut” Having fought the “gut” battle in the past—I can personally attest to how important it is to pay attention to the good& bacteria in your belly.

Keith Richards: True story—once when I was teenager my mother called me into the living room yelling “you need to see this!” Turns out Keith Richards was being interviewed on television and she could not understand “how the dead can talk.” Well Keith is STILL alive and kicking thankyouverymuchmom and he is rather sanguine about getting older and still rockin’.

“Attack on Everest” Holy sh*t! Sherpas are starting to attack climbers on Mount Everest. The topic of overcrowding in the famous mountain is explored here.

“How to Blow $100 on Fireworks” This is NOT an article you would find in a woman’s magazine!

“The Complex Truth About Low Testosterone” Hormone replacement is being talked about with greater frequency in the media as a wonder cure—but there still isn’t any consensus on who actually needs to use it and when.

“Paleo Converts” More and more distance athletes are trying out the Paleo meal plan to gain an edge in competitions. But do they actually work?

“50 Great American Places” Looking for vacation ideas? Try one of these groovy spots you can find in the good old U.S.A.

How is your June coming along so far? Me? I have been busier than a one-armed paper hanger but I am determined to get these recaps out to you. So without further adieu–I bring you my latest batch of favorite reads.

Bicycling: July 2013

“Bring the Heat” Bicycling offers tips to ride outside in this god forsaken heat and perform even better.

“Get Hooked” I am not much of a fish person (Salmon? No thank you!) However—this handy guide might me rethink my ideas on this food group.

“Sunscreen” Here we get all sorts of tips on how better use sunscreen while enjoying the great outdoors.

“Make Your Own Charity Ride” I know several friends who will refer to this article soon! Great information here.

“2013 Guide to Riding Everywhere” My neighborhood is about a thousand times more bike-friendly than when I first moved here which is pretty amazing. The same holds true across the U.S. and Bicycling’s editors find out who is riding out there, what they ride and how to survive the weather all year round.

“Revenge of the Nerds” The nerds are taking over the cycling world by using their smarts to outwit their competitors. Read here how Team ViaSat won last year’s Race Across America (RAAM.)

“Stunning Rides” The 2013 ‘Best Mountain Bikes” are featured in the July issue.

“Who’s Happier?” Commuters? Night Owls? Older people? You have to find out by reading this article for yourself. (I did suspect Bronze finishers were happier than Silver medalists before…)

“10 Ways to Chill Out” Inexpensive ways to keep cool this summer.

“I Lost 45 Pounds and Improved My Golf Game” Busygolf pro Karen Stupples talks about how she lost weight after making a few simple changes to her diet and lifestyle.

“The Metabolism Miracle for 40+” Preventionshows how you can keep the extra pounds away over the age of 40 (when most people start to experience a slower metabolism.) Also includes a workout to help build muscle tone.

“Her Second Perfect Storm” Honestly—this was my favorite read this month. Linda Greenlaw survived the real life Perfect Storm (the sailing tragedy was made into a movie in 1997) but this tough-as-nails swordfish-boat skipper (the only female in the U.S. to have that honor) found out adopting a teenager would be the hardest challenge of her life. Check out her books here: http://www.lindagreenlawbooks.com/

“My Year of Aging Backward” Writer Lauren Kessler decided to take a year of her life and devote it to trying to become younger through exercise and science. The result is her book My Year of Hypnosis, Hormones, Dark Chocolate, and Other Adventures in the World of Anti-Aging which I just might have to get. (Here is Lauren’s web site: http://laurenkessler.com/)

How are you my lovelies? Good? Glad to hear that. This week I have been busy with getting my presentation all sorted out for my portion of the “Writing the Perfect Pitch” workshop for this year’s Fitbloggin and I must admit—I have the case of the nerves! This isn’t my first time speaking in front of people but it IS my first time using a program called Prezi and I just want to be worthy of sharing the stage with the superb Alexandra Williamsand Kymberly Williams-Evans of Fun & Fit.org and the sublime Jamie Walker of Fit Approach. (Biting my nails in anticipation!)

I know it will be a great presentation and I am so excited to get a chance to help my fellow Fit Bloggers get their message out there. So I guess you can call these the “good” kind of nerves to have because it means I care and will give it my all?

However– I am having old feelings returning to my life and I do not think it has anything to do with what could be an immediate “unknown” in my life (presenting at Fitbloggin.). Rather, on a much deeper level I am incredibly anxious about the my uncertainty of my future. Don’t be alarmed—I am not sick or in dire straits (thank goodness!) but the last time I woke up every day feeling the way I do I quit my high powered job, went freelance and started teaching spin classes in my “free time.”

These past few months my life has been twisting and turning in new directions with old stuff falling away and new things trying to make their way in and for some reason I have felt very “stuck.” Do you ever get like that? Like on the one hand you know you need to shake things up in your life in order to get where you need to be but are just so damn afraid of anything “new?” I really need to “unstuck” myself and embrace the wild and wooly aspects of living without fear.

Do you know about Bex of the fabulous Bex Life.com? (Of course you do—she is a goddess!) Anyhoo—Bex recently posted on her site Learn to Fall In Love With Fear and that is the motto I am going to use to get me through the next few months. I am going to learn to embrace uncertainty and anticipate good things coming into my life.

Who is with me? Let’s do this thing together dammit!

Now with that sorted out I wanted to take a moment and congratulate my good friend Marrilee Wilson of Halifax, Nova Scotia for becoming a certified yoga instructor through Moksha Yoga Halifax. (So happy you are finally making it to NYC this week!)

When I first started teaching I was a hard core rock chick when it came to playlists including healthy doses of the Pixies, Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters and The Beatles. In my “real life” that is still who I am but over time my students started asking me to pick music more current and popular.

“Blech!” was my original thought but after attempting a few different radio stations online that play what the kids dig these days I have found to my amazement I really love pop music. P!nk is incredible and Maroon 5 writes some fun tunes. Hell—I even started liking The Pussycat Dolls! What the heck has happened to me?

Anyhoo, today’s ride starts with Bruno Mars’ new song which is about as poppy as it gets and features a few old school rock and roll tunes that I love as well. You’re welcome!

Locked Out of Heaven:Bruno Mars

This is one of those songs that is too damn catchy for words. I wind up singing along whenever it is on the radio and might have to get more of his stuff soon.

San Francisco: The Mowgli’s

I know nothing about this band or why so many people are singing at once and I don’t care. It’s just a fun tune and I dig it.

Radioactive:Kings of Leon

Yes, this is the rock portion.

Timeless:The Airborne Toxic Event

This song has “high school graduation anthem” written ALL over it. (In a good way, of course.) The lead singer is adorable by the way!

Undercover (Of the Night): The Rolling Stones

Apparently this video could only be played late at night on MTV because it was too violent so don’t say I didn’t warn you first!

Voices in My Head:The Police

The drummer, Stewart Copeland, is super hot.

Back it Up: Caro Emerland

My new favorite song—love it so much!

Free:Phish

“Where are my hippies at?!”

Panic Switch:Silversun Pickups

The Silversun Pickups are too awesome for words.

Diane Young:Vampire Weekend

To be totally honest—I can’t decide if this is their best or worst song. (But it is zippy!)

Bad: U2

I use this one when I want my class to go a long a looooooong climb. Back in the day Bono would reach into the audience toward the end of the tune and pull a woman out of the audience. (To dance with her only! I think.)

Moves Like Jagger:Maroon 5

I want to hate this but I just can’t. Twist my arm Maroon 5—you’ve got me!

Hard Sun:Eddie Vedder

I still think Eddie Vedder is adorable—sigh.

So what do you think of my list? Remember to send me your favorite tunes in the comments below.

I am back to my regular Blog schedule and happy to be reporting back to all of you. (Woo hoo!) This past week has brought so much unexpected fun that I am not sure where to start. So how about I begin with how my week started, shall I?

This past Monday I woke up to find out via e-mail that Danny J. of The Sweaty Betties (I am an ambassador for them) was not only flying into NYC from Dallas that very afternoon on behalf of The Sweaty Betties business but that she was also planning on staying with me! Yikes! After doing a quick, panicked run around my apartment to make sure it was semi-hospitable for my lovely house guest (this was the first time we met in person) I decided to give up some of my long held phobias about having company over (fearing of judgment is a big deal for me) and embrace the unexpected.

Turns out Danny J. is just about as warm, friendly and fun as a person can possibly be. My cats loved her (which is the BIG test) and I was given the rare privilege to show her how to use the NYC subway system which she took to it right away. Goo Danny! Follow her on Twitter @SweatyBeitties

While Danny was bopping around New York she brought along with her the tall, gorgeous and immeasurably cool Rebekah Borucki of Bex Life.com who came over and hung out at my place for a spell Tuesday afternoon. (Honestly—Blogging about health & fitness has given me the opportunity to meet the best people in the world!) You can (and really must) follow on Twitter @BexLife.

On Wednesday Danny & Bex set up a get together of women from all over the East Coast (#NextLevelNYC) who have either belonged to the Sweaty Betties in the past or just completed The Social Academy (which I may just have to try out when it starts up again.)

On an unbelievably perfect day we met in Madison Square Park and let me say these are just some of the coolest women I have met in my life (I keep saying that, don’t I?)

After a quick yoga/plank competition in the park a group of us had a mighty fine time at Dos Caminos where I sat with a group of Latina women who explained to me the number of names I have mispronounced over the years (I took French—get off my back!)

Outside Dos Caminos

(Me with the incredible Danny J. One of us has experience posing effectively on camera. Guess which one?)

Britney! Alert all of your gay friends—because the queen of Pop is on the cover of Shape and looking totally amaze balls! Brit Brit is about to head off to Las Vegas for a two-year deal with Planet Hollywood (they are still around?) so the singer and dancer is going through her paces to get as fit as possible to put on an amazing Extravaganza every night.

Tops on her list for fun active type things to do is yoga and inside we get photos of Britney going through her favorite poses. She practices at the EQI Yoga Studio in Los Angeles with the owner Elizabeth I. (That is not a typo. Really!)

So what else is inside the June Shape?

“Team Up to Firm Up”

For those looking for a “couple’s” workout—try this one from the insanely gorgeous duo Heidi & Chris Powell who starred in Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition. Chris’s new book it titled Choose More, Lose More for Life and is on sale now.

First off—my apologies for not recording a Vlog last week for I had every expectation to do so. Back when I started Vlogging I promised myself I would be sure to record a new one each weekend no matter WHAT happened in my life. But I will be honest—it was so nice to be lazy and responsibility-free for the long holiday weekend that I just kind of slacked off. Do you forgive me? (Pinky swear to keep to my regular schedule!)

Second—I am taking a few weeks off from giveaways. Just to keep things fresh I am going to store up some really special items to offer as a giveaway from time to time. Really—it just seems more special that way, no?

Today (as I am typing/recording this post) it is hotter than a whorehouse on dime day so forgive me if I appear to be a little loopy in my Vlog post. It was recorded in one take (oh, you DON’T say!) and features both of mah precious kitties so just take it all in and enjoy!

My review of the KOSS FitSeries headphones (earbuds) for women. These were sent to me to try out from the good people at (KOSS) and they did not pay me for a review or my opinion—I simply do love my new FitBud and FitClip stereophones that were developed just for us ladies by KOSS’s female design crew and the ultimate fit chick (in my opinion) Dara Torres. What I love them about them:

They are very comfortable. KOSS designed them to be 33% smaller than the regular KOSS earbud so they will stay in place and be comfortable for all day wear (I personally put THAT to the test several times in the last few weeks and am impressed with their fit.)

They are sweat-resistant.

The cushions come in three different sizes so they are guaranteed to stay put.

My two beautiful cats (Sarah & Tennessee) are napping in the background so you crazy cat people can get your fix on them! (Follow me on Instagram at “margodono” for my cute kitty pics.)